Agriculture and Entrepreneurship

Dear young professionals, students, entrepreneurs, agriculture friends,

Rotaract Sofia- Vitosha Project "Agriculture and Entrepreneurship - A Future for Bulgarian Students" Event Summary is aiming to encourage students to choose and pursue higher education in all disciplines directly and indirectly related to the agricultural sector. In this series of articles you can find the information needed for and after the event as well as learn about the history of agriculture and what innovations have brought agriculture to the forefront of modernisation today in Bulgaria and the European region.

The beginning of civilisation, as viewed through history, wasn't a single event but a series of interconnected developments. It represents humanity's first steps towards complexity, from simple agrarian societies to sophisticated urban civilisations. This period laid the groundwork for all subsequent human achievements, illustrating how our ancestors' innovations in food production, urban living, governance, and culture set the stage for the world we inhabit today. Through this historical lens, we see not just the birth of civilisation, but the birth of human potential realised in community, creativity, and continuous progress.

The transition from hunter-gatherer lifestyles to agriculture around 10,000 BCE is often cited as the cradle of civilisation. This shift allowed for the domestication of plants and animals, leading to surplus food production. This oversupply was revolutionary. With a stable food supply, populations could expand beyond what was previously sustainable.

Today, agriculture is in the forefront of modernisation. New farmers and entrepreneurs face technology and these advances move modern societies, cities and nations. There is a big reliance on agriculture and farming in creating opportunities that align with global trends towards sustainability, health, and local economies.

Rotaract Sofia-Vitosha Project "Agriculture and Entrepreneurship - A Future for Bulgarian Students" Event Description

I. Activities and Goals

1. A one-day event (about 2 hours) in the format of a <discussion forum and lecture> at Hilton Sofia on 28.10.2024 from 11:00 am (the Monday after the elections - a non-school day).

2. The event aims to create a friendly environment and an opportunity for networking between the agricultural business sector and students studying STEM subjects, with the idea of presenting them with interesting development opportunities in this sector (such as opportunities to pursue engineering studies).

3. The project aims to raise awareness among young people about the potential opportunities for development in the field of agriculture and entrepreneurship by choosing and studying related engineering specialisations (and beyond) after the 12th grade.

4. The main idea of the event is to introduce students to inspiring individuals from the sector — farmers/entrepreneurs who work for the prosperity of Bulgarian agriculture and are leaders in their field.

5. In this way, we will contribute to greater awareness of the importance of the agricultural sector and all related fields/businesses and, hopefully, inspire interest among young people studying STEM subjects.

II. Target Group

All Bulgarian children aged 15 to 19 (from 9th to 12th grade) who are interested in subjects like mathematics, chemistry, physics, and biology, and who also have an affinity for such forums/competitions/events.

At the upcoming event hosted by Rotaract Sofia-Vitosha, titled "AgroRotaract" key ideas will be explored to bridge the gap between the agricultural sector and the next generation of STEM talent - Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) skills include technical abilities required to accomplish a range of tasks and solve problems in the scientific field. The forum will highlight the dynamic opportunities available in agriculture, focusing on innovative engineering paths and entrepreneurial ventures. Students will engage with industry leaders, including pioneering farmers and entrepreneurs, who will share insights into sustainable agricultural practices and the future of agribusiness in Bulgaria. The event aims to inspire and inform young minds about the potential for growth and development within the agricultural sector, encouraging them to pursue higher education and careers that contribute to the prosperity of Bulgaria’s agricultural landscape.

During the event, the lecturers will delve into a range of topics designed to educate and inspire the students. They will discuss the latest technological advancements in agriculture, such as precision farming, sustainable crop management, and the integration of smart technologies that are transforming the industry. Additionally, the speakers will highlight the entrepreneurial opportunities available within the agricultural sector, emphasizing how young professionals can innovate and create successful business ventures. The lecturers

will also share personal success stories and challenges faced in their professional journeys, offering insights into how education in STEMfields can open doors to impactful careers in agriculture and agribusiness.

The discussion forum is designed to encourage active participation from students, as the lecturers and organizers aim to provoke them to share their own theses and opinions regarding Bulgarian agriculture and the business opportunities within this sector. The goal is to inspire students to critically evaluate the current state and future prospects of agriculture in Bulgaria, fostering a space where they can openly express their views, question existing practices, and develop their own informed perspectives on the industry's challenges and opportunities.

What are key activities that fostered the agricultural development in Bulgaria recently?

1. EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Implementation: Bulgaria has been implementing the EU's CAP, aiming to promote sustainable development of the agricultural sector. This includes supporting viable farm income, enhancing competitiveness, and promoting sustainable farming practices. The focus is also on improving living and working conditions in rural areas, with specific support for young and small farmers.

2. Growth in Specific Sectors: There's been notable growth in certain agricultural exports from Bulgaria to the U.S., like tree nuts and wine, indicating an expansion in these areas. However, there have been fluctuations, like the decline in peanut exports due to higher international prices.

4. Investment and Modernization: There's an emphasis on adopting modern technologies and sustainable policies to increase the added value of agricultural products. This includes investments aimed at the future of Bulgarian food production and the conservation of natural resources.

Several new technologies and trends have been making their way into the agriculture sector of Bulgaria:

1. Precision Agriculture: This includes the use of GPS, drones, and sensors to gather real-time data on soil, crops, and weather conditions, aiming to optimize field-level management with regard to crop farming. This technology helps in making decisions that improve resource efficiency, productivity, quality, profitability, and sustainability of agricultural production.

2. Smart Farming Equipment: There's an adoption of machinery equipped with technology for better control and efficiency. For instance, mobile applications for controlling sowing equipment have been developed, which allow for remote operation of agricultural machinery, enhancing precision and reducing the labor intensity of farming operations.

3. Green and Renewable Energy Initiatives: Although not technology in the conventional sense of machinery or software, Bulgaria's push towards renewable energy in agriculture includes significant investments in green energy, aiming to make agriculture more sustainable. This could involve solar panels for energy generation on farms, bio-gas, or wind energy solutions tailored for agricultural needs.

4. Digital Agriculture Platforms: The implementation of digital platforms that help in the collection, storage, analysis, and sharing of agricultural data. These platforms assist in creating an integrated view of data across the agriculture ecosystem, which can lead to better farm management practices, predictive analytics for pest and disease outbreaks, and optimization of water and fertilizer use.

5. AgriTech Innovations: Bulgaria is part of the broader trend where technology like AI for pest identification and control, IoT for monitoring soil and crop health, and blockchain for traceability and food safety are being explored or implemented. These technologies aim to reduce costs, decrease environmental impact, and increase yield and quality.

6. E-Extension Services: The promotion of electronic extension services, which includes training and information dissemination through digital means, enhancing the reach of agricultural extension services to remote or underserved farmers.

7. Automation and Robotics: While not as widespread, there's growing interest in robotics for tasks like weeding or harvesting, especially in contexts where labor costs are rising or labor availability is an issue.

Most of the current implementations might have been introduced very recently or are in pilot stages, but all of them improve both the efficency of the sector and increase quality.

• Public Sentiment and Structural Issues

There's a mention of decreased livestock and plant cultivation in rural areas over the years, possibly due to stringent requirements or issues with seed varieties. Additionally, there's criticism regarding legislation favoring large players over small or family-run farms, pointing to a need for a more inclusive strategy that benefits all scale producers.

• Subsidies and Support

There's evidence of significant agricultural subsidies, which are noted to be larger than those in some other countries like France, suggesting strong governmental support or intervention in the sector. The Bulgarian government has been considering strategic plans for the development of agriculture and rural areas, indicating an ongoing process to outline the future direction of agricultural policies.

From these points, Bulgaria's agricultural development seems to be at a juncture where traditional farming faces modernization, with EU policies driving much of the change. However, there are also challenges related to competition, both within the EU market and from outside, alongside domestic issues concerning the equitable distribution of support and the sustainability of small-scale farming operations.

In addition, here are exciting potential fields of development for you, for young people and entrepreneurs in Bulgaria's agriculture sector:

• Agroecological Entrepreneurship: There is a growing trend towards sustainable and ecological farming practices. This includes organic farming, permaculture, and other agroecological methods that not only aim at environmental sustainability but also market the produce as premium, organic products.

• Digital and Precision Agriculture: Leveraging technology like IoT, AI, drones, and data analytics for farming can increase efficiency, reduce waste, and optimize crop yields. This tech-driven approach can make agriculture more appealing to the tech-savvy younger generation.

• Educational and Extension Services: Developing and participating in programs that enhance the knowledge base of young farmers through e-extension services, training in modern agricultural practices, and entrepreneurial skills can bridge the gap between traditional farming and modern needs.

• Value-Added Agriculture Products: Young entrepreneurs can focus on processing and adding value to raw agricultural products. This includes winemaking, cheese production, honey production, herbal and medicinal products, which can tap into both local and international markets seeking artisanal and high-quality products.

• Rural Tourism and Agritourism: Integrating agriculture with tourism by offering experiences like farm stays, wine tours, or traditional cooking classes can diversify income sources for young farmers while promoting rural development.

• Social Entrepreneurship: Addressing social issues through agriculture, like employing disadvantaged groups, or initiatives focused on food security, community-supported agriculture models, or tackling food waste.

• Renewable Energy in Agriculture: Investing in solar panels, biomass, or wind energy on farms not only reduces the carbon footprint but also cuts down on energy costs, potentially making farms energy-independent or even energy sellers.

• International Collaboration and Export: Leveraging Bulgaria's EU membership for cross-border trade, accessing larger markets, or engaging in projects like the ECOFAR project, which focuses on enhancing the skills of young eco-farmers for better international competitiveness.

• Policy Advocacy and Engagement: Young people can engage in or initiate dialogues for better agricultural policies, subsidies, and support systems tailored for young entrepreneurs in agriculture.

A clear sentiment towards making agriculture not just sustainable but also an attractive career choice for young people through innovation, education, and integration with technology and tourism. This includes creating opportunities that align with global trends towards sustainability, health, and local economies.

Rotaract Sofia-Vitosha Project "Agriculture and Entrepreneurship - A Future for Bulgarian Students" is aiming to encourage students to choose and pursue higher education in all disciplines directly and indirectly related to the agricultural sector.

Please access the full program bellow:

28.10 Event Program